Binghamton University to host Grammy Award-winning musicians, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ author

The Anderson Center for the Performing Arts at Binghamton University will return to full-capacity events for its 2021-22 season, including performances by the Vienna Boys Choir, Grammy-nominated Black Violin, a special evening with The Handmaid’s Tale author Margaret Atwood and much more.

“I’m very excited that the Anderson Center will soon be resuming its performing arts programming,” said Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger. “After a year-and-a-half hiatus, we welcome the opportunity to once again bring world-renowned artists to our stages. The Anderson Center has long been the centerpiece for the community’s cultural events, and all of us are thrilled to see this outstanding facility’s return as the region’s premier venue for the arts.”

• The curtains will rise for the first time in over 18 months Thursday, Sept. 23, for a concert by Grammy-nominated Black Violin. This internationally acclaimed group, known for its lively and unexpected fusion of classical and hip-hop music, was nominated for “Best Contemporary Instrumental Album” in 2021. For Black Violin’s performance, the Anderson Center will remove its back wall and morph into an open-air amphitheater, offering patrons a chance to catch the show from inside reserved seats or on the lawn, under the stars.

• The season continues Wednesday, Dec. 8, with a concert by the world’s most recognizable choral ensemble, the Vienna Boys Choir, featuring a selection of Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces and holiday favorites.

• In early 2022, the Polish Wieniawski Philharmonic Orchestra plays a weekend matinee Saturday, Feb. 19, with a program including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2. On Wednesday, March 2, Red Hot Chilli Pipers will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early by leading audiences through some of the world’s great rock anthems performed on traditional Scottish instruments. Additional offerings include an acoustic jazz performance by Jennifer Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band) and Nick Cassarino (The Nth Power) Thursday, March 24; an evening of dance with Tango Argentina Saturday, April 2; and the improvisational jazz/funk collective Ghost-Note Thursday, April 7.

• Thursday, April 28, the main stage season will commence with An Evening with Margaret Atwood. With her 1985 novel The Handmaid’s Tale adapted into a 15-time Emmy Award-winning television series, and its sequel, The Testaments, winning the 2019 Booker Prize, Atwood’s sharp eye is more crucial — and prescient — than ever.

The Anderson Center will also play host to performances by the Binghamton University departments of Music and Theatre, which run programming throughout the year.

In accordance with updated guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York state and Binghamton University, performances will be presented at full-capacity, with masks required for unvaccinated patrons.

Flexible season subscription packages are on sale now. Individual tickets go on sale in mid-August. Students and children can catch a performance for just $10, with tickets for the general public starting at $25 for most shows. More information can be found at anderson.binghamton.edu or by calling the box office at 607-777-ARTS.